Preferred tenderer for public transport smartcard announced

17/07/2003 9:05 AM

Page Content

17/7/03

Perth’s public transport users will be the first in Australia to be offered a fully-integrated smartcard ticketing system.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said Delairco Bartrol/Wayfarer Transit Systems had been selected as the preferred tenderer for the ‘SmartRider’ contract, worth more than $30million.

“By the end of 2004, people using Transperth bus, train and ferry services will be able to pay their fare by simply passing their wallet or bag over a sensor,” Ms MacTiernan said.

“The system will automatically calculate the lowest appropriate fare and display this to the passenger at the end of each trip.

“SmartRider cards can be topped up at special machines, or through banks or credit societies, and people will be able to put a stop on lost or stolen cards.

“SmartRider will replace the existing MultiRider magnetic stripe system, which was introduced in 1993 and is near the end of its useful life.

“Though cash tickets will still be available, the user-friendly features of the new card are expected to make it very popular.

“The ease of use means SmartRider will be beneficial for people with manual disabilities, such as people with arthritis.

“Fare gates will be built at major stations and stand-alone readers - or validators - will be installed at all the others.

”The fare gates will be staffed, adding to station security and helping reduce fare evasion.”

Ms MacTiernan said the preferred tender was more than 30 per cent lower than its closest competitor.

“The tenders were evaluated by the Public Transport Authority and the Department for Treasury and Finance and approved by the State Supply Commission,” she said.

“The evaluation process included a significant Buy Local component, in accordance with State Government tender policies.

“More than two thirds of the contract value, which covers supply, installation, maintenance and management services over 10 years, will be spent in Perth.

“Delairco/Wayfarer which supplied and maintains Transperth’s existing ticketing system will expand its national service centre in Perth to maintain SmartRider and similar ticketing systems in the Eastern States.”